MDAs add N3.5tn new projects to 2026 budget despite restrictions
Despite federal directives to avoid new capital projects, several Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) have included at least N3.5tn worth of new projects in the proposed 2026 budget. The move comes even as guidelines instructed MDAs to focus on completing existing projects and to roll over a significant portion of their 2025 allocations. Analysis shows that new project entries are widespread, with some MDAs receiving substantial allocations for fresh initiatives. Experts have raised concerns about fiscal discipline and the effectiveness of oversight mechanisms.
What we know
- The proposed 2026 budget includes at least N3.50tn in new projects across various MDAs, despite a federal directive to avoid introducing new capital projects.
- The Service Wide Votes component accounts for N2.66tn of the new projects, with major allocations for contractor liabilities, finance programmes, and security-related provisions.
- The Budget Office of the Federation, Federal Ministry of Transport, National Library of Nigeria, National Blood Service Commission, and Sokoto Rima River Basin Development Authority are among the top recipients of new project funds.
- Previous directives in December 2024 and December 2025 instructed MDAs to prioritise completion of ongoing projects and scrutinise new spending proposals.
- Experts like Professor Adeola Adenikinju and Dr Aliyu Ilias have criticised the lack of fiscal discipline and oversight, warning that repeated breaches undermine budget credibility.
